Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1887-01-08
A Virginia Phy stefan ON Sanitary
Measures and Food.
TO The Editor OF The Dispatch

To the Editor OF the Dispatch:
There are no reforms Of more importance
to The people than those which relate -iu-
significant though they they seem-to their
daily conduct and mode OF living. We are
the creatures OF circumstances aud our
lives are made up OF certlin inherited
characteristics modified by the books we
read, the company we keep, the air we
breathe, aud The food we consume. or
these, The question OF food phys most I'M
portaut and conspicuous part. Good work,
whether OF mind or body, requires good
food. Neither intellectual inspiration. nor
severe and prolonged labor can be sustlined
on a diet Of bread and molasses. The valOr
and endurance-of the British soldier as eX-
hibited on many hard.iought field has
been largely due, no doubt, TO the excel
lence OF his commiSSdrid!.
1t Is the purpose OF this article to call at.
teption to such reforms in diet and the
mode Of living as seem most pressing and
important. The first evil to be noticed is
that we use too much salt meat. Salt
hardens and toughens the meat and renders
il more indigestible. It's long-continued
and exclusive use among sailors and SOL
diers IL followed by attacks OF scuryy aud
y
to O large extent, in the country, where
fresh meats cannot be procured regularly,
makes 1t highly important that fruits, yege-
tables, and milk should be largely used 10
conjunction with il to avoid lis bad effects.
The meat we use, as a general rule, Is
TOO highly fattened. IRE animals which
supply II are in a state OF disease when they
are butchered from confinement and over.
hi. ma f.f
lard and tallow. The superior favor and
healthness OF game Is due TO the better
condition Of animals in their wild state.
Good fruit is not generally used TO the
extent that health requires. More espe-
cially does this statement apply to the
warmer months. when we need a more
cooling regimen, aud when nature, kindy
anticipating our wants, supplies food suita-
bic TO the season. The process OF canning
fruits and preserving them fresh has been
of incstimable benefit In promoting health
as we'll as comfort. The free use OF fruits
also tends TO diminish the desire for stImu-
lants and strong drinks, and is thus good
ally OF temperance.
The diet should be varied from time to
time, so as to supply all the different ele-
ments which 90 70 make up the system.
Much Of the pleasure aud benefit we dc-
rive in taking meal from home Is due 70
the fact that some new dish Is set before
us which tempts the appetite and supplies
a needfui deficiency.
Food should be made as palatible as pos
sible, not only for the sake Of the enjoy
mcnt 1t stiords, bat as an aid 10 digestion.
The introduction OF sugar as an article OF
dict has been great boon TO the civilized
world, and lis proper lse contributes vastly
| 10 our health a. well as comfort.
Meals SHOULD be taken as much as posi-.
BILE IN cheerful company. They should
be taken slowly and deliberately, as q
rational and proper mode OF enjoyment
and not hurried through as matter OF ne.
cessity. A short period OF rest is desirable
| after eating. nj. ID.